36th Annual Student Research Conference
Effects of Pesticide Application on Biofilm Formation by Bacillus Subtilis on Alfalfa Roots
Isaac J. Vilchis* and Nicole M. Dorn
Dr. Joyce Patrick, Faculty Mentor
Bacillus subtilis is a Gram-positive bacterium that inhabits soil. Biofilm formation by B. subtilis has been observed on the surface of plant roots, with a mutually beneficial relationship for both the plant and bacteria. Plants secrete chemical signals to recruit B. subtilis and the bacteria use signals to form the biofilm. The bacteria benefits the plant by causing induced systemic resistance to defend against pathogens. Although pesticides target eukaryotic pests, it is possible that pesticides impact the ability for bacteria to form a biofilm by interfering with the chemical signaling, which is ecologically important. Previous studies in this lab showed results that the presence of malathion decreases observable biofilm in vitro. This research studies whether biofilm formation is affected by the application of the pesticide malathion. Here we use B. subtilis carrying a luciferase reporter to assay biofilm formation on plant roots in the presence and absence of malathion.
Keywords: Biofilm, Formation, Bacillus Subtilis, Bacteria, Luciferase, Malathion
Topic(s):Biology
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation
Session: 4-5
Location: Student Union Building Activities Room
Time: 3:00